Tips For Working On Recall

Do you have any tips for working on recall?

Answer: Recall work... it is one of the single most important commands we put on our dogs...

Having a good recall on your dog hopefully starts when they are puppies, however, for various reasons not every adult dog has a good recall. Sometimes this can be breed specific, as in Northern breeds often like to "run" in the other direction, Beagles ( or mixes with this breed) also like to put their nose to the ground and off they go, not much stops them except a leash.

So, depending if your dog falls into a breed specific lack of recall or just one of those dogs that demands a "higher" value to come back, it needs a lot of work and patience on the part of the owner. I suggest all dogs be on long lines at least ( not flexi's) if they cannot be trusted with their freedom.

Some tips are to start in small safe areas that are enclosed with your dog on a long line, call them and reward, every time! This needs to be done in a very low distraction area to start then building up to bigger distractions. But remember to "walk before you run"..giving dogs that are not proofed too much freedom will result in dogs that come back on their terms..if they think the fun has ended, they will stay away until they are ready...

There are so many variations on teaching recalls, too many to list and each is personal to the handler and dog. But the biggest piece of advice I can give is , however frustrated you are, NEVER tell your dog off when it finally comes back to you..otherwise you are punishing the very thing you are asking of the dog and then the incentive to come back at all is gone.

"Sooooo grateful to Patricia & Gerry for their phenomenal, knowledgeable, dedicated dog care e.v.e.r.y. s.i.n.g.l.e. time. Always hard to be separated from Grizz but she returns from each stay happy, light-footed and balanced to the max! ... And Harmony Farm Lamb must be tasted to be believed. These beautiful sheep are raised with attention to detail and care for the individual and the flock, and by hard-working farmers who care from the heart about what they are doing and why and how they are doing it. Huge respect and cheers for Harmony Farm! Pat Curry April 19, 2016Pat CurryHuge Respect & Cheers!

Thanks again for all your time and thoughtful kindness towards our dogs, always appreciated. Thank you so much for all the above and beyond - for everything you two do. You are amazing, kind, hard working individuals and our dogs always come home with a smile on their faces! Lovely to never have to worry about anything which is truly such a blessing. Take care of your selves and see you in the future. - Hugs & Cheers Kari,Morgan, Alamo, ZoeKari KendrickUs & Our Dogs Think You're Amazing

Maluk is back home with us and we think that he misses you guys! Happy to be home but kind of sad also:(( We can't thank you enough for the care and love you gave Maluk for the three weeks plus that he spent with with you and his blood sugar level has never been so low than this morning. So worried when we left but so glad to see the pics where he looked so relaxed with Gerry!!! Harmony Farm is now his home away from home. Again thank you and we will stay in touch!!' MJ & JP ChaveJP & Marie Jo ChaveVery Thankful & Relieved!

I wanted to thank Patricia and Gerry for ALL of the times they have looked after my brood, my dogs love it with them and I know they are safe and well cared for. I have recommended this kennel to all of my doggie clients and will continue to do so..the ABSOLUTE best in Kamloops!Chris McKayThankful...

Patricia & Gerry do you have any idea how rare a kennel and dog boarding service you are providing? Believe me I have been to them all and there is nothing that compares! My dogs love you guys because from the first moment you met, it was obvious that you really love and care about dogs! The kennel smells great, it's bright and clean and the dogs are all really happy! Wow I've never seen anything like it! Your property really does have peaceful energy about it - gosh I couldn't even hear any barking! Best of all, my dogs are healthy and sane when they settle back home...just can't applaud you enough! Thank You for sharing YOU with my dog family!Cici LowdenYou ARE the BEST Kennel Anywhere!

Thank you so much Patricia & Gerry for taking such good care of Duke for so long while I got my life together and moved and got settled... I wanted the very best possible care for my pitty puppy Duke and you have an awesome place but it took a lot longer than I expected and Duke isn't the easiest to handle. Your photos, regular emails and your endless patience and understanding made it all possible. Duke is so happy and healthy and well behaved, I know you did way more than just a great job. I can't tell you how much we appreciate your loving care of our baby. QuotesJessica Lynn PilonNo words for appreciation...

Wow - I can not tell you how impressed I am with your incomparable kennel service! My Rotti Chelsey had become very depressed and destructive in response to much family sadness recently - so much that I was feeling very guilty to have to take her to a kennel. When I picked her up, I couldn't have been more relieved and happy to see her back to her bouncing, tail waggin content and joyful self after only a few days with you at your beautiful, PEACEFUL farm - I am so happy to have found you - we look forward to bringing our Chelsey back soon! Meantime, we shall tell the world and next time, I wonder if I can come too?!The Spark FamilyRelieved Harmony Farm Kennel Fan!

Wow, what a beautiful space and what an amazing service you and Gerry provide. I can see that my dog just loves you guys and why she cried when we left your place (first time ever leaving anywhere fyi) and I understand - she'll be back soon!Sharon Midge & FamilySo very happy to know your kennel!

Thank you so much for your email...wow, what a treat to read all that goodness. My mind is totally at rest after reading your email, so much I forgot to reply until now! I even read it aloud at our Christmas dinner!!! I can tell that you are giving her a lot of love and our whole family really appreciates that. Our love to all the pooches out there and you both as well! The PetchesChrista PetchSo relaxed with your care!

Thank you so much for taking such good care of Titus ... he's working off his 'all-inclusive holiday' along with Bruce now in the deep snow... Titus will be back! :) It is such a piece of mind to know he is with someone who understands the breed over and above great care. Hugs, StaceyBruce & Stacey PhinnemoreVery happy 'return' customer

Harmony farm is an amazing place for every living thing. People, Sheep, Dogs, horses, everybody is enjoying and contributing to a very peaceful and positive atmosphere. By their understanding and sensitivity of others, Gerry and Patricia offer a very nice place to stay to every creature on earth.Anne & MaelSuch a great place to stay!

I can barely express our gratitude to have found your custom care kennel service - finally we can leave our 'family' dog Sasha knowing she is well cared for, safe, exercised and always happy! Gosh - we know she has a vacation as well and for the first time ever, we don't even worry! Your communication is always timely and keeps us feeling so very grateful - thank you so much.Cindy and Bill StratonVery Grateful Clients

It is so refreshing to pick up our dog and he is settled, happy, content, healthy and SANE! We used to bring him home from a kennel and he was a basket case neurotic for a week! Usually he had scratches or diarrhea and it was just nuts around our house until we 'got our dog back'. Your kennel is a breathe of fresh air, for us and our dog, both during his stay and once he returns home. Thank you.The Cadre FamilyDelighted Customer

I thank you both again for taking such excellent care of Alamo and and Zoe while we were away, it is such a relief to know that we have a reliable, safe, and friendly environment to leave our dogs when we go away on holidays. We can not thank you both enough, and Alamo and Zoe say thanks too, they transitioned well when they got home. Also thanks for making room for them one more night on last minute notice, very much appreciated. By all means you may use our comments on your website, you've worked hard for what you two have accomplished and we are comforted to know our dogs can call your place a home away from home when we are on holidays. I cannot thank you enough.Kari KendrickCan't Thank You Enough

Patricia and Gerry, I have to admit that I was a bit surpised after Lucy and Tess's stay with you... They were happy to see me but really THEY DIDN'T ACT EXCITED TO COME HOME! Thank you for taking such great care of them. Receiving emails about their stay with you while we were away was so reassuring to know that they were in good hands it helped to make our vacation a stress free one. Charles, Marci, Jacob and EmmaCharles HurtubiseSo Happy with our Dog's Holiday

I just wanted to say Thank-you again for the update email and for the exceptional care and time you gave to our dogs Zoe and Alamo, you were great! Their smiles said it all, I wish you, your husband and your farm all the best of blessings in the year ahead. See you again in August if not sooner . Thanks again, Kari KendrickHappy Dogs!

Harmony Farm Kennel is what I believe all kennels should be! Finally, I have found you! What a breathe of fresh air to be able to entrust my great dogs with someone who is willing to go the extra mile without even hesitating. I appreciate you very much!Guy Weatherspoon5 Stars For Your Kennel!

Okay Patricia our mastiff Harley obviously loves you and Gerry and loves his time at Harmony Farm! He wags like crazy on the way there, can't wait to get out of the car, he greets you with a smile, drags us into the kennel, and apparently has a great time while he is there... BUT what do I do about this?...he whines and cries and has this horrible sad forelorn look on his face when he has to leave! He stares at you while we leave and looks out the back window crying all the way home. Knowing Harley I don't think there could be a higher compliment! Thanks for the problem - he'll see you again soon!Cam & Ally LewisLove this problem!

Thanks for posting those beautiful fotos of my Ben, thanks for taking them, and for taking HIM, in the first place! You are both talented in a rare fashion, that of understanding, and of having compassion for the misunderstood. Such a relief to know you have the patience, knowledge and trust, even for troubled dogs.Jan PeterVery relieved & thankful customer

Good to here my old girl Sally is doing so good... I think all the attention at your place is probably helping lift her spirits:) She was so depressed, wasn't eating, she gets so lonely at my farm... Thanks so much for providing such a lovely healthy caring home away from home for my baby...I don't worry for her one minute.Trena PorterThanks so much

Hi Patricia. I just dropped off Yukon at Harmony and as you saw, he was very excited to have another vacation with Harmony. At the turn off he wiggled like crazy and was so alert he couldn't wait to get there! We are so pleased that after his visits he is so very relaxed and content when he returns home - no adjustment period at all - a very good sign that he enjoys his time at Harmony and that makes me feel very good! Thanks so much!!!!Kathy MuellerHappy that I have a Happy Dog!

Thanks so much for all you do! We are so grateful we found your farm! We also agree that your lamb is the best we've ever tasted and so appreciate that it is chemical free. Happy holidays!!Katarina Vuckovic

Thank you so much for the email update, just read it now, but we so much appreciate how well you look after our precious girl Ricki!!! We apologize again for picking her up so late and thank you for accommodating our late and delayed flight and arrival into Kelowna. You have such a winning combination at your beautiful property with the sheep, horses and kennels, we feel so lucky to have found such a wonderful home for her when we go away. Thanks again for looking after her so well and we will see you again to drop her off for a couple of weeks in mid January. Thanks! Janet and TerryJanet & Terry Maskell

I am so grateful to have found your kennel. My dogs are happy with you, I don't worry at all (especially with your communications) and they take no time to settle back with us at home, which is the first time ever. Your obvious love for animals (sheep included to my amazement!) is more than impressive. I wish you every success!B. GrathmoreEver Grateful

Thank you so much for caring for Princess. She is not easy and I am so glad it went well. I look forward to doing business with you in the future and will be sure to recommend you to everyone I know!! Thank you, JudyJudy BergmanVery happy and relieved dog 'Mom'

I appreciate so much knowing that my dogs will be safe and happy when I am away on my vacation. I am very impressed with the quality of care and love given the dogs and it is obvious they are very pleased as well. This is an awesome place!Genevieve Stroulger

We spent a lot of time looking for a kennel for our two Thai Ridgebacks, Suki and Loabas. They are wonderful dogs but not easily to get introduced to other packs. Gerry and Particia received them with open arms however. The most important for us is that you both love the dogs in a mature and knowledgeable way and that you have the psychological and medical expertise to care for them. We also appreciated the emails and phone calls to report our dogs well being :) Thank you so much again!Peter and Kitaya TermoteThe place we trust

Thank you for the update, I had a good feeling our little Scrappy was doing well. I was relaxed about his stay knowing he won't get into trouble with other dogs and, after we left the ranch we realized your place is awesome! Thanks again,Heather SmithVery Satisfied

Thanks for the photos, Patricia. I know you and Gerry are taking good care of our sweet Katie because she looks very happy. Its been so long and we miss her alot, but never worry because we know she's in good hands. It's such a relief. Thank you! You are the best! Thank you.Keith & Laurel Harris, AustraliaThankful Customers

"I am so glad I found you! When I brought my old lab Zues there he could barely walk and wasn't eating well at all. Your reassuring email to me while in Germany was a great relief. To my delight when I picked Zues up I could see the relaxation in his face, he was eating great and he was managing his hips walking so much better I could hardly believe it. Obvious testimony to the wonderful care and dedication you pour into your work - now I can go away in June and know he is in very capable and loving hands. Thank you so much."Sue GrayVery satifsfied customer!

With 2 day's notice I had to go overseas to attend to my ill mother. Fortunately Patricia and Gerry could accommodate the dates. I cautiously left my 15 year old Lab X with poor hind quarters and a support brace to be walked and also being a very picky eater, at their kennel. On picking him up his condition was better than when I had left him there and appetite spot on! Thanks to the wonderful care he received he is rescheduled for another stay this coming summer! What a tremendous relief that I have found Harmony Farm Kennel!!!Sue GrayVery satisfied client

We just got back from a spring vacation and we were so happy to see our beautiful boy relaxed and content at your place. To our relief he was clean and happy! When we got home he was totally himself and had lots of energy after having had his own vacation with you guys. He loves all the goings on at your place, especially the hikes and the sheep!Makenzie and Amandabeach kids

"Thankyou so much for the update, it truly brightened my day! I am so happy that our rotti girl is doing well and in such great hands, it makes it easier to leave her knowing that she has the greatest care :) Thankyou so much for keeping her safe and happy and all of the extra you give, it means a lot!!"The Hayes FamilyCustomer

"Thank you so much for the updates. It is so nice to know that Tahnee is doing well. We are very lucky to have someone like you looking after her and it makes all the difference to how we enjoy our time away from her without worry."Don & Cathy StarrGrateful Customer

"We want to bring our Cupcake & Candy back - they are always so happy there! They've never been healthy and happy after being in a kennel before - thank you for taking such good care of our girls any time we are away!"Kris & Chrissie BenedictHappy Customer

"Thanks for the updates Patricia, I am so worried about my 'kids' but I felt very comfortable around you and Gerry... so I know they'll be fine. ""Just wanted to thank you again for looking after Kinja and Shakari. They seem their happy selves and just business as usual, no upsets or resentments for being abandoned :) by me".Sherre & Mark LapointeCustomer

"Thanks again for letting Maggie extend her vacation without being able to give you any notice. It's such a peaceful feeling knowing Maggie is being cared for and loved just like she is at home while we are away."Patricia NaggyHappy Customer

"Patricia and her husband, Gerry (pronounced with a hard G) have considerable sighthound experience and are wonderful with both sighthounds and the many horses they board and train. I've never been to such a calm kennel and lovely, safe boarding facility!"Hellen VincentCustomer

Our Chai loves it there! She starts wagging her tail as soon as we turn up your drive - the only concern I have is that she won't want to come home! Thank You for making it easy to leave her behind!"Janice JacksCustomer